insignia

[in-sig-nee-uh]

noun

insigne , insignia, insignias .

1. a badge or distinguishing mark of office or honor.

   a military insignia.

2. a distinguishing mark or sign of anything.

   an insignia of mourning.

insignia

/ ɪnˈsɪɡnɪə /

noun

1. a badge or emblem of membership, office, or dignity

2. a distinguishing sign or mark

Usage

Insignia, originally the plural of Latin insigne, began to be used as a singular in the 18th century, and the plural insignias appeared shortly thereafter. All uses— insignia as a singular or plural and insignias as a plural—are fully standard. The singular insigne still occurs, but insignia is more common.

Word History and Origins

Origin of insignia¹

1640–50; < Latin, plural of insigne mark, badge, noun use of neuter of insignis distinguished (by a mark); in- ², sign

Word History and Origins

Origin of insignia¹

C17: from Latin: marks, badges, from insignis distinguished by a mark, prominent, from _in- ² + signum mark

Example Sentences

To laud Charles, JPMorgan lit up the top of its new $3 billion Manhattan skyscraper with the insignia of the kingdom, an unusual event in a city that chased out the British in 1783.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Suns” refers to the gold insignia, equivalent to a U.S. general’s stars, worn on the epaulets of Venezuelan generals’ uniforms.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For example, city employees cannot take part in campaign activities while wearing uniforms with “official city insignia.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Ama finishes the insignia and steps back as it glows a brilliant purple.

Read more on Literature

In one shot, a flag with insignia resembling the Wagner group's trademark skull logo could be seen at what the reporter said was a Russian base in Mali.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• badge 
• coat of arms 
• decoration 
• ensign 
• paraphernalia 
• regalia 
• symbol